Meaningful management of soil fertility and flax productivity

The present study examined the biological characteristics and nutritional requirements of flax and outlined the most important agrochemical indicators of soil fertility. The study aimed to determine a range of soil parameters suitable for growing flax under conditions of increasing water content. The intention was to reach the full genetic potential and high yields of the given crop without causing damage to the soil. The solution provided for high returns on money spent to reach these parameters. The studies were conducted on dark-chestnut light soils with the presence of carbonate in the dry steppe region of Northern Kazakhstan. Soil parameters were 2.90 to 2.95% humus, 0.17% total nitrogen, 0.15% phosphorus, over 60 mg of mobile potassium per 100 g of soil, slightly alkaline pH at 8.08-8.1 and Ca2+ + Mg(2+)at 20-22 mg-eq/100 g soil. Graphs depicting a quantitative relationship between soil fertility and flax productivity were addressed to determine the optimum level of mobile phosphorus in the soil, which could ensure the maximum yields of flax. An optimisation formula and fertilisation methods proposed in the present study to maximise yield may be relevant for other temperate steppe zones.